Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Interactions with artificial intelligence are not only changing the way humans view technology. As a new book explores, they also have the potential to transform how people relate to one another.Topics covered:AI sycophancyAI chatbotsAI companion appsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. China's government has set a growth target of 4.5-5% in 2026. We argue that the country should be more ambitious.Topics covered:China’s growth targetNational People’s CongressChina’s persistent deflationListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Europe has long lagged behind in the tech race. But, thanks to Donald Trump, the continent's technology sector is finally gaining momentum.Topics covered:Europe’s climate-technology sectorDefence technology“Deep-tech” firmsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. America has dealt a severe blow to the Iranian regime by killing its supreme leader. But without clear goals, this military operation risks developing into an unwinnable, chaotic war.Topics covered:War in IranUnited StatesWorld economyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, and his government frequently claim to be humble public servants. But an entrenched "VIP culture" ensures Indian politicians are treated like royalty, often at the expense of ordinary citizens.Topics covered:India’s politicsNarendra ModiAI Impact SummitListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Tech companies are racing to teach artificial intelligence to understand the physical world. The effort could lead to better robots and self-driving cars.Topics covered:World modelsArtificial IntelligenceRoboticsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. In The War Room, our defence newsletter, our defence editor weighs what could come next as the war in Iran expands.Topics covered:US-Israel attack on IranDonald Trump’s foreign policyIranian regimeListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Essential for modern military and green technology, critical metals have become the West's most serious strategic weakness. But as America races to build alternative supply chains, it risks doing more harm than good.Topics covered:Critical mineralsRare-earth metalsCommodity marketsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. In an era of endless optimisation, how can one stand out in the workplace? Our Bartleby column makes the case for workplace inefficiency.Topics covered:AI in the workplaceWorkplace efficiencyOffice politicsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.